Effectiveness of a clinical ladder program.

A 5-hospital system shares results of the evaluation of a clinical ladder program. Improvements were noted in overall satisfaction with the program, nurse retention of those who participated in the program, and costs savings due to decreased turnover. The authors point out the importance of evaluating the effectiveness of advancement programs for nurses. The analysis of a clinical ladder program in relation to costs, financial impact, and benefits helps to justify the salary increments for the ladder programs. This article provides the nurse executive with appropriate justification and outcome data to effectively champion these programs.